Press Release: Third time is the charm for Eccleston; Hunter outkicks Engels at the 2017 Sir Walter Miler

Third time is the charm for Eccleston; Hunter outkicks Engels at the 2017 Sir Walter Miler

August 6, 2017 – Raleigh, NC – In Amanda Eccleston’s third trip to the Sir Walter Miler, a late sprint down the homestretch, past 2015 Champion, Steph Garcia, was enough to secure her first victory in what was the largest crowd to date (4000+), in a winning time of 4:31.72. “I really wanted to win this year, after the last two years,” said Eccleston, after the race to FloTrack. Former Duke graduate, Kate Van Buskirk rounded out the Women’s podium.

In the Men’s race, a surge with 300 meters to go allowed Drew Hunter to defeat a strong Men’s field, including Pfafftown native, Craig Engels, in a winning time of 3:57.32. “It feels really good. Look at the field; there were some really good guys in there,” said Hunter, after his first big professional win. Izaic Yorks completed the Men’s podium, and was part of nine men to dip under the hallowed 4:00 barrier. Engels, Drew Piazza, Andrew Dusing, and Tripp Hurt became the 489th, 490th, 491st, and 492nd Americans to compete the feat, according to Track & Field News. Since the Sir Walter Miler’s first year in 2014, the meet has seen the mark broken 26 times. Before that, the most recent sub 4:00 mile in Raleigh was run in 1974.

Starting off the night, Heather Wilson ran a World Record (4:58.84) in the Citius Mag presents the Raleigh Denim Mile. She was the first female athlete ever to break the 5:00 barrier in the Blue Jeans Mile. Former Sir Walter Miler intern, Alex Boseman, won the Men’s race in 4:37.72. In the Triangle Clash Mile Relay, the Summer of Miles All Stars (3:58.42) held off Fleet Feet Raleigh (4:04.05), and in the Brewery Run Battle Mile Relay, the Nog Run Club defended their title in 4:10.15.

Dan Nelson, the foremost “live painter” in the country, joined us to paint the scene and essence of the Sir Walter Miler! The painting is now up for auction on eBay. Dan is a lifelong runner, has a Personal Record of 4:20 in the mile. Part of the proceeds will go to put on the 2018 Sir Walter Miler!